Hambleton Strollers Walking for Health

About Us

Hambleton Strollers organises led walks which start from doctors' surgeries, Leisure Centres and other central points in the six main towns of Hambleton District - in Northallerton, Stokesley, Thirsk, Bedale, Easingwold and Great Ayton plus some nearby villages.

We would like to encourage anyone to join the walks, but we especially welcome these groups of people:

1. People who do not feel they are quick enough or strong enough to walk in a regular walking group.

2. People returning to walking after illness or a period of inactivity.

3 People with health conditions which would benefit from moderate exercise.  Heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, mental health problems, high blood pressure and those recommended by their doctor.

4.People who would just like some company to make walking and exercise a more enjoyable social activity

5. People with health risks due to inactive lifestyles.

Our walks last about an hour but we do offer a thirty minute starter walk option on the majority of our 1 hour walks. All our walks are risk assessed, led and supported by trained volunteer walk leaders, the walks up to an hour are over flat ground with no stiles and are usually around the streets and pathways of the local town. Occasionally, when the weather is good, we will stray onto grass and walk on less well defined paths or down by the river were there is one.

Our Leaders and walkers are friendly and welcoming, do come and join us.

The Hambleton Strollers scheme started in the summer of 2002. From April 2018 the project will become totally volunteer run and will be managed by a Volunteer Management Committee supported by about 42 Volunteer Walk Leaders.

The group's partners include Ramblers Association, who run the umberella Walking for Health scheme. Hambleton District Council and Heck Foods,The walks are all in the area of Hambleton District Council which totally supports the scheme and provides administrative support..

Our Walks

Our walks are usually an hour and are on good level footpaths around the towns and on surrounding field paths when weather conditions allow. There may be small gradients..

The walks are relaxed and friendly, but moving at a pace brisk enough for individuals to feel an increased heart rate and faster breathing. We always suggest that walkers continue to exercise more frequently as well - on their own or with friends.

Walks in Stokesley start at 10.15 a.m. - so walkers meet at 10 a.m.  From 1 January 2014 - the walks in Great Ayton will also start at 10.15 a.m.

All other walks start at 10.30 am. Many outings offer opportunities for refreshments afterwards. Please come and join us when you are in the area. - You can view the list of current walks by clicking on the link "Walk Programme" in the downloads listed opposite.

Independent walk packs with maps of walk routes have been developed so that people can follow the routes more frequently and therefore maintain the health benefits. Copies of all the walk packs are available from the Co-ordinator or you can click on the link on the right to view and print a copy.